Harold “Hal” Gilman Foster
February 13, 2016
Harold “Hal” Foster, 96, of Lopez Island, Washington, had a remarkably long and full life and died quietly in his sleep on February 13, 2016 with his family beside him.
Hal was born in Tennessee, and grew up through the Depression and the Second World War in Wisconsin.
Upon graduation from Occidental College in California, he entered the U. S. Navy and after completing his training in Midshipman’s School at Northwestern University, Hal served as an Officer aboard a destroyer escort in the South Pacific.
After the war, he worked for the Motion Picture Producer’s Association in Hollywood before joining the Los Angeles Times where Hal worked until his retirement in 1985.
He enjoyed backpacking in the Sierras and twice climbed to the summit of Mt. Whitney. Hal relished being outdoors running, swimming, birding and doing yoga in the mountains he so loved.
He was a tireless advocate for conservation efforts through the Audubon Society and the Sierra Club. Hal’s volunteer work on Lopez Island included Lopez Library, Lopez Hospice and monitoring BLM land for the San Juan Preservation Trust.
A child virtuoso on the piano, music remained an integral part of his life. Hal began using his voice as an instrument in college and sang with the Pasadena Pro Musica. After moving to Lopez, Hal continued with Marge Stensrud and the Ecumenical Choir.
He was a loving husband, father and member of the community, his humor, kindness and openness to experience will be greatly missed and remembered.
In addition to his wife, Anne, he is survived by his daughter, Cathe, his sons Jeff and Brad (Barbara) and granddaughter Violetta as well as his step-sons Kent and Peter Roloff and granddaughter Gita , all of whom he loved dearly.
A memorial service will be announced by his family at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made in Hal’s name to Friends of the San Juan’s and the Lopez Island’s Children’s Center.
Arrangements are in the care of Evans Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., Anacortes, WA and the San Juan Islands. To share memories of Hal, please sign the online guest register at www.evanschapel.com.
